Multiple Hook Live Bait Rig DNR Rule Change Propos

I saw this in the local Stillwater paper and thought I would pass it on. The Minnesota DNR currently is accepting public comment on several permit, tackle and other fishing rule changes. The rule change that caught my eye and interest reads:

Rule changes proposed by the DNR include: Specifying that anglers may use up to three single or multiple hooks on a single line baited with live, artificial or preserved or dead bait provided the distance from the first to last hook is nine inches or less. A configuration such as this is not considered an artificial bait or fly.

This rule change has been in the works for about as long as the bullhead rule change was. The reason I am interested in this is that if approved it will legalize the 2 hook Cat Bait Harness that I use. For those that are not aware of it, the current MN fishing rules do not allow the use of multiple hook rigs when using live bait. Technically the 2 or 3 hook live bait rigs that all the walleye guys use are not legal based on existing rules. All the worm harnesses and minnow harnesses the walleye community uses to drag live bait are not really legal rigs based on the wording of current fishing rules. The MN DNR has long recognized the widespread use of those bait rigs and has implemented a policy of not enforcing the current rules. The language used in this proposed rule change would clean up the fishing regulation and allow the use of multiple hook live bait rigs. I’m hoping this rule change slides through with little, if any, public comment opposition and gets approved. The way it reads now, I could even add a 3rd hook to the cat harness – I’ll have my cat bait looking like a circle hook porcupine.

Aren’t harnesses legal if say you have a bead or blade on the line?

You can use multiple bait under these rules then, right? Boy, my hook budget might go up. I’d use multiple hooks in many instances.

I was always under the impression that adding a spinner or bead in front of the lead hook makes it an artificial lure tipped with live bait, rather than a ‘live bait’ rig in the eyes of the DNR. At least that is what I was told by a CO many many moons ago. There is a reason why those northern ‘quick strike’ rigs have a little spinner added to them

Sounds to me that they are just trying to make it more cut and dry so some cat dude/dudette doesn’t try and create a trot line like ‘artificial’ rig by adding a spinner in front of one hook and then having hooks 10 feet apart

I stopped using trot lines for walleye fishing years ago. Electricity is much more effient with this type of bait.

This live bait rig issue has been in process for years – all the way back to 2006 I believe. Back in October 2009 a discussion came up about if the 2 hook Cat Bait Harness was legal. This is the response posted back then:

There have been several questions asked about whether the Cat Bait Harness would be considered a legal rig to use on Minnesota in-land water. This question was posed to the Minnesota DNR and their response indicates the rig would not be challenged by a Conservation Officer. There is a rule change in process that would make the 2-hook rig legal – sounds like that language is in the same package with the bullhead rule change. Here is the DNR’s e-mail response:

From: Pat Watts <>
To: merkman <>
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 9:44:38 AM
Subject: Re: Legal or illegal?

You are correct that the current statute language would not allow either rig to be used. However, these are fairly common configurations used for angling that are generally not causing problems.

With that in mind, DNR started a permanent rule package in process in about 2006 that would clearly allow up to three single or multiple hooks that are either inserted into live bait or within three inches of the live bait. Only one live bait could be used on a line. Live bait would include bait that is alive, dead, or preserved. That rule package would also allow one additional single or multiple hook when the additional hook is within three inches of an artificial bait. Artificial bait would include jugs, artificial flies, and flashing spoons. Quick strike rigs and stinger hook arrangements meeting these requirements could be used.

Originally, we thought that rule change would be completed in 2007, but some of the changes in the rule package have been more controversial than originally anticipated, and is taking more time to get through all the legal processes.

While this 3-inch rule language has not yet been adopted, it is a standard that our officers have been working with in the interim, and is acceptable for anglers to use.

Pat Watts, DNR Enforcement Division, St Paul MN

Thanks Steve, and I’m sure if I would have been involved it would be another 6 years before we would see it law.

I heard this was going to take effect this November.

Anyone heard any more?